Why I ride: I'm proud to be riding in Pedal the Cause for the third consecutive year to help fund cancer research in the St. Louis area. This year, our St. Louis Children's Hospital team is riding in honor of 3-year-old Vivian. Vivian - who is a twin like our boys - is a vivacious little girl who was diagnosed with leukemia last year. She is doing well in her treatments and is definitely the cutest team captain we've ever had!

I am also riding in honor of our friend George Danis, who bravely fought a brain tumor last year and is now cancer free! I've been training with George's dad Matt the past few weeks and it's really special to see George after our morning rides and know how big of an impact Pedal the Cause can have in funding research for pediatric and adult cancers.

Over the past six years, Pedal the Cause has raised more than $12.5 million to fund 70 cancer research projects, including 14 newly-funded research projects in 2016. I hope you will help me in this journey to raise funds and awareness to help kids like Vivian, George, and so many kids and families throughout the St. Louis region.

You can give with confidence knowing that 100% of your donation will go directly to accelerating cancer research in St. Louis at SLCH and the BJC Siteman Cancer Center.